A frightening new video depicting a dresser falling when two toddlers climb on it underscores an alarming fact: on average a child dies every two weeks from furniture or a television falling onto them. Read More.
It’s a grave and growing problem, and in response the U.S. Consumer Protection Agency has unveiled an important new campaign urging parents to bolt heavy furniture – such as bookshelves and dressers – to a wall.
Specifically, the agency recommends to:
- Use sturdy furniture
- Secure your TV
- Mount all flat screen TVS
- Purchase anti-tip devices. Only Install according to manufacturer instructions, and always double check the attachment points to make sure the device is secure.
- Existing furniture can be anchored with inexpensive anti-tip brackets. New furniture, such as dressers, are sold with anti-tip devices. Install them right away.
- Remove items that might tempt kids to climb, such as toys and remote controls, from the top of the TV and furniture
The American Home Furnishings Alliance also advises consumers to anchor all heavy furniture, not just the ones in children’s rooms, and to verify that furniture meets industry standards for maintaining stability. Read More.
For specific details, visit https://www.anchorit.gov/
